FREEZE FRAME: “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”

Is the third time the charm for Lego’s animated franchise? Well, even though the novelty is wearing a bit thin, “The Lego Ninjago Movie” is, for the most part, cheeky, colorful fun.

 

Jackie Chan leads the voice cast as Master Wu, who serves as mentor and inspiration for a group of wisecracking ninjas who protect their city from a none-too-bright evil warlord. Dave Franco, Fred Armisen, Olivia Munn and Justin Theroux lend voice support.

 

It plays a bit like a video game hyped up on caffeine. Adults may find the whole enterprise too noisy and familiar, but the kids who know the toys and the video games should revel in the zippy action.

 

The decadent comic book spy movie “Kingsman: The Secret Service” was an over-the-top surprise hit in 2015. The word “over” can apply a lot to, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” as well. It’s overlong, overly silly and an exercise in overkill.

 

Four Oscar winning actors get mired in a plot so absurd that it makes James Bond look austere by comparison.

 

Also opening this week, Jake Gyllenhaal stars in “Stronger,” a true story about a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. “Rebel in the Rye” is a drama about author J. D. Salinger and his relationship with socialite Oona O’Neill. Nicholas Hoult and Zoey Deutch star. “Friend Request” is a teen horror flick involving social media. “Dayveon” is a drama about an orphaned boy who falls in with gang members in rural Arkansas. “Zoology” is a Russian drama about a woman who suddenly sprouts a tail. “Trophy” is a documentary about big game hunting. “Lost in Paris” is a whimsical French comedy about a librarian and a bum. Ben Stiller stars in “Brad’s Status,” a comic drama about a man who compares his life to that of his ultra successful friends.


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